THAI TRIAL UPDATE

My first 12 days on the outside after getting bail were quiet enjoyable. I had three days to hang out with Niall before he took off to Laos, and met up with two other jokers from Korea as well, Cozzie and Alex. Got a day in kayaking on the river, which is harder than I thought it would be, and I ended up spending a good bit of time underwater-upsidedown kayaking. Fortunately, didn't scrape bottom or head butt any rocks.

Since then I've been fortunate to meet some great people here who have helped me out in every way. Katherine is a wonderful woman who works with foreigners in the prisons in Chiang Mai and Bangkok as well on occasion. She has helped me out from the start. Paul has been here for 20 years working through various churchs and organizations, and he has introduced me to others and kept me involved in things going on around here. I have been putting my new Thai cooking skills to work, and made up some green curry from scratch and chicken with cashew nut for a group of 5 at Paul's house this past Monday. I've got a few other cheffing appointments set up to round out my skills. Still looking for a football team to join up with, but getting back in shape by running and working out in the meantime. So I've kept productively busy, avoiding the endless hours of mind numbing thought that could come at a time like this. I've spent a good deal of time on the Internet, emailing, messing around, and chatting, and on the phone with my parents.

So, things got rolling again on Tuesday. I went to court expecting a formality type occasion with the prosecution requesting a 12 day delay. Much to our surprise they were ready to go forward with the case. So after getting this news around 415pm, we rushed upstairs for the appearance in front of the judge to enter a plea. Also in the room were some 10 others, some getting sentenced, some entering pleas, and others being told to wait 12 more days. And of course it was all in Thai, so I've no clue whats going on. When my turn came, I stood and said Not Guilty after the prompt from my lawyer. Basically this just buys us time to sort out our plan and defense. The next court date is 20 December. Now, if I maintain a Not Guilty plea, it will probably be a year or more until the case goes before a judge. During which I would have to remain in Thailand, providing my bail is honored by the court. If I go to Guilty, then I would receive a sentence the same day or shortly thereafter. The sentence could range from 2 years in prison to a suspended sentence that allows me to go home to deportation, effectively the same thing.

So there you have it. I have certainly learned a lot through all this, and I am sure this experience will someday be seen as a pivotal time in my life. I hope and pray that it will be a 2 month experience, and not a 2 year & 2 month experience. But thats out of my control, and I'll be trusting God either way. So I ask your continued prayers for me in this situation. And keep in touch on the email, always good to hear from everyone.

b

GOOD TRAVELS GONE WRONG

Cheers all,

This is not a post I had hoped or planned to make at any time during my travels, or my life for that matter, but alas, here it is. Two weeks ago, 22 October, I brought some problems upon myself here in Chiang Mai, Thailand. It started out quiet enough, walking through the night bazaar drinking Thai whiskey and coke, then off to a few bars for a couple beers. By the time the mid morning came around, I was pretty out of my mind, and not so aware of it. So when we came across a motorscooter parked with the key in the ignition, I went for a joyride. I can't really say I though it would be this or that, because I don't really have a sober thought in me at the time. Anyway, I rode around the block and back to my Guest House, a few blocks away, where I was promptly confronted by the owners and the then police, and arrested for stealing the motorbike. I tried to explain I had no interest in stealing in, that I was drunk and just, stupidly enough, went for a ride, but it was to no avail. I was handcuffed, taken to the police station, questioned, and then tossed into the cell.

This was about 5am or so by now. Around 1030am by friend Niall found me at the police station. I still had no idea what the whole affair was going to entail. Later that day, one of the police men there told Niall I should be out within 2-3 days. More questioning that night. The next day, Sunday, I found out I might be in a bit more of a tight spot than I imagined. Monday this was confirmed, as I talked to a Kiwi lady, Katherine, who works in a prison outreach ministry for foreigners in Chiang Mai. She gave me the straight scoop, and I knew I was going to need a lawyer.

Alrite, I'll cut out a good bit of the time here, as I will post it in detail sometime in the next few days. Last Thursday, 13 days later, I was about 10 minutes from being taken to the prison and locked up until the case went to court. Thankfully, and in answer to loads of prayers, my lawyer secured my release on bail at the last moment, so now I am out on bail, awaiting the court case.

As it stands now, the court action should start up sometime late November early or early December. The options in the court case range from me being sent home, i.e. deported, to spending some time in prison here in Chiang Mai. The uncertainty and lack of transparency prevents any reasonable analysis at this point. Its pretty tough to put to words the shame, embarrassment, and disappointment (in myself) that I feel at this point. But 13 days in the hole gives you a bit of time to think, and I've got my head in one piece. At this point, I am praying and trusting in God, that everything will work out for the good. And there are lots of others doing the same. I do appreciate your thoughts and prayers while I work through this. I had quiet of stack of emails awaiting me last night, many of which, ironically enough, wished me safe and happy travels. As I'll be having some spare time now, I will work on getting back to all of you individually. I will put the details of this whole affair on the blog sometime, and will keep you all posted on any developments. All the best to everyone. Blake